In a genre often dismissed for melodrama, Days of Our Lives has again found a way to make something beautiful and urgent out of love.
In a moment that blends history, heartbreak, and hope, Days of Our Lives will air the long-anticipated wedding of beloved character couple Paul Narita and Andrew Donovan on June 23rd. The ceremony, set in the emotional aftermath of Paul’s father John Black’s death, marks another groundbreaking milestone for the iconic soap opera.
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Portrayed by Christopher Sean and Colton Little, Paul and Andrew’s union is more than a celebration of love; it’s a poignant homage to family, both biological and chosen, and a vivid reminder of the power of representation in daytime television.
The wedding also becomes a tribute to the late Drake Hogestyn, who played John Black and served as a paternal figure not only to Paul but also to Sean in real life.
Sean has done voice work in Star Wars Resistance, Ultraman, and the DC animated universe. And Little has also appeared in General Hospital and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in entertainment and beyond.
For Little, the moment is deeply personal. “I’m an openly gay actor in real life,” he said. “And getting to portray a gay character on a show like this, especially one where we’re getting married, that’s something I never imagined as a kid. I think now more than ever, it’s amazing that we’re still telling these stories. It’s really important.”
Raised in a town of just 300 people in Nebraska, Little recalls the stigma he experienced growing up. “When Ellen DeGeneres came out, a family member said, ‘That’s disgusting,’ and it broke my heart,” he shared. “Before I even knew anything about my sexuality, I knew I was different. Later, as an actor, I had to decide, do I closet myself to get more roles? But I couldn’t hide who I am. Being authentic is the most powerful thing I can do.”
Sean, who originated the role of Paul Narita in 2014, reflected on his journey with the character, and the audiences he’s touched along the way. “Eleven years ago, I got my first Hollywood break on Days. I was nervous, I’ll admit,” he said. “But playing Paul helped me understand how unfair it is not to be able to just be yourself. After seeing the impact, messages from fans saying ‘That’s me,’ I understood the importance of telling this story honestly.”
Sean emphasized that authenticity in love and identity guided his portrayal. “I didn’t play a stereotype. I played love, how I give love, how I feel love. That mattered to people. I’ve had fans tell me, ‘You saved my life because I didn’t think I belonged.’ That’s why representation matters.”
The June 23rd episode doesn’t shy away from honoring both the personal and cultural journeys of the characters. In addition to a traditional Western wedding, the ceremony includes a Japanese tea ritual, honoring Paul’s heritage — Sean’s cultural heritage is both Japanese and American. “It was such a beautiful fusion of East and West,” Sean noted. “It felt spiritual, intimate, and deeply respectful.”
The presence of Days alumni at the wedding, brought back in part due to Black’s death, further enriches the emotional landscape. “We were surrounded by history,” Sean said. “It was bittersweet, because Drake Hogestyn wasn’t there in person. But he was with us in spirit. He was my onscreen dad and my real-life mentor. I see his photo every day on my wall.”
The atmosphere behind the scenes was just as powerful, the actors say.
“There’s a blue-collar work ethic at Days,” Little said. “Everyone shows up to do good work, support each other, and make something meaningful. When we filmed the wedding, there were so many real moments between characters, those are the kinds of scenes fans crave.”
He added that the fan response has been overwhelming. “Last year, I was in D.C. for a Pride-themed event. People told me, ‘You’re my lifeline. Seeing your love story made me feel safe.’ Some were closeted and living in conservative places, and they had to sneak away just to meet us. Their courage, their stories moved me to tears.”
Sean echoed the sentiment.
“I read almost every DM I get. If someone’s in danger, I say: Stay safe. But as soon as you can, find your community. You deserve to live fully as yourself. As Drake used to say, Days gives people an escape for an hour a day. If we can give someone a sense of sanctuary, that’s a blessing.”
In a genre often dismissed for melodrama, Days of Our Lives has again found a way to make something beautiful and urgent out of love. For Sean and Little, Paul and Andrew’s union is a story rooted in real experience, real emotion, and real hope.
“We’re not here to preach,” Little added. “We’re here to show that love is love. And if one person watching sees our story and changes their heart, or finds courage, or just feels a little less alone, that’s everything.”
